Products of our Environment

November 29th, 2007

Dana Fisher

Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. – Proverbs 22:6

Over the past few months I have had several run-ins with friends from my past. It’s always good to see old friends and reminisce about the past, catch up on what you missed, and question where you’re headed.

God has really placed a burden on my heart to really contemplate each of these encounters individually. To see the different places these people are in their lives and to understand how they got there, but also to praise Him for the foundation He gave me.

Going to a Christian school my entire life jaded me as a youngster. I wasn’t the strongest Christian in high school, and in fact, most of my friends were stronger.

I look back now and see where some of them are and my heart is sad. Their lives are in shambles. Some say they feel empty or alone. Others are stronger than ever, living for Christ and being an example to all.

When I started thinking about each of them there was one thing that pressed open me, family. Those that are down, broken, and not seeking Him are those who’s families aren’t either.

I’m one of the lucky ones. When I stopped going to church, my mother kept going. When we ridiculed her every Sunday morning as we sat on the couch watching tv, she kept going. For at least 5 years this went on, week after week.

Then, one rainy night, He pulled me back. And He’s never let me forgot that I have my mom to thank for saving my eternal life. I had it easier than most. I was raised a Christian, always knew the truth.

What does this mean for all those with broken homes, with non-believing families? It means it’s going to be hard. Surround yourself with Christian friends who build you up and keep you honest. Who check up on you and correct you when you’re wrong. Even I need those relationships and I’m blessed to have bunches of them.

The lesson I’m taking from this is to stand strong because some day I’ll have a family to care about and worry about. If I am consistently saying I’m a Christian yet am drinking to get drunk and sleeping around my kids are bound to repeat the same mistakes.

I made some huge mistakes growing up, but kids will always come back to what they know. I need to make sure what they know is the truth. TheHoly and Anointed Word of God. My foundation.